Extension agent Beth Gaydos receives special recognition

Published: June 16, 2004 8:00PM

CALDWELL Beth Gaydos, longtime family and consumer sciences Extension agent in Noble and Monroe counties, was recognized with the Marilyn R. Spiegel Excellence in Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Award at the Ohio State University Extension's annual recognition event in Columbus.
The Marilyn R. Spiegel Excellence in Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Award is a $1,000 cash award that includes an engraved brass desk clock and the recipient's name added to a permanent plaque in the Schottenstein Wing of Campbell Hall (home of the college of Human Ecology) on the main campus of The Ohio State University.
The purpose of the award is to recognize a Family and Consumer Sciences Professional who has made major contributions in meeting the concerns of families. It is also awarded to someone who values teamwork, the involvement of others in planning and implementing educational programs.
The award is made possible by an endowment fund established for OSU Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences program by special contributions made in honor of Marilyn R. Spiegel, who began her career with OSU Extension as an agent in Van Wert County.
Spiegel, who also served in the same capacity in Lucas County, was a member of the Supervisor-In-Training Program, and Evaluation Specialist, and then retired in 1999 as an associate professor and assistant director, Family and Consumer Sciences, with OSU Extension and also associate dean for Extension and Outreach in the College of Human Ecology at OSU.
A few highlights of Gaydos' programs encompass parent education including the divorced parents program conducted in both Noble and Monroe counties, food safety education and nutrition programs such as Dining with Diabetes, basic budgeting programs for community groups, and radio and television interviews.
Gaydos has served as a mentor for new Extension agents and has served on both the state and district Extension promotion and tenure committees. She has secured a variety of grants, authored a number of articles appearing in professional journals and has provided leadership to several state and national FCS organizations.